Clean Sky Research Programme takes off at
launch forum

A new generation of greener, more environmentally
efficient aircraft moved a step closer today, with the official launch of the
Clean Sky JTI research programme, in Brussels. The Clean Sky TAKE-OFF Forum
today formally instigated this EU wide collaborative
private-public partnership, which encourages the full participation of SMEs,
universities and research centres as well as leading aeronautics manufacturers,
in the Clean Sky programme.

Clean Sky is one of Europe’s largest research programmes, with a budget
of €1.6 billion. It represents a joint commitment from the European Union
and aeronautics industry to make air travel more sustainable, by encouraging the
aeronautics manufacturers to develop and produce greener products.

At the Forum the European Commission and the aeronautics industry outlined
how Clean Sky will develop a series of breakthrough technologies to reduce
significantly the environmental impact of air transport.

European Science and Research Commissioner Janez Potočnik, ASD President
Åke Svensson and Marc Ventre, Chairman of the Clean Sky Provisional
Executive Committee (PEC) all stressed the importance of the Clean Sky JTI in
terms of meeting the EC’s environmental commitments, as well as conducting
research leading to innovative technologies which will improve the environmental
performance of the next generation of aircraft.

Commissioner Janez Potočnik said: "The challenges that stand before
us today, such as boosting international competitiveness and tackling climate
change, are common to all European countries, and research is a major part of
the answer. We stand a better chance to making a difference if we work together.
This is the basic logic behind the Clean Sky JTI and I am delighted that it is
now underway and ready to start its work."

Åke Svensson ASD President and CEO of SAAB welcomed the formal launch of
Clean Sky noting: “Clean Sky will address two simple questions. How we
fly and what we fly. The Carbon footprint aviation leaves behind is seen as not
being acceptable and Clean Sky is an excellent way of addressing the challenges
we face in developing more sustainable aviation."

Chairman of the Clean Sky Provisional Executive Committee (PEC) and CEO of
the Aerospace Propulsion Division of SAFRAN, Marc Ventre believes: "The
aerospace industry is highly aware of its environmental responsibilities and
over the last few decades has contributed to a drastic reduction in both
emissions and noise. Today, with traffic expected to keep growing, Clean Sky is
paving the way for a new major step in this ongoing process. We are fully
committed to meeting these very ambitious goals."